Thai Chamber Urges Negotiations After U.S. Imposes 36% Tariff

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has expressed its surprise at the U.S. announcement of a 36% reciprocal tariff on Thai imports, which exceeds their initial expectations of a 25% tariff. The chamber has urged the Thai government to promptly engage in negotiations with the U.S. to address this issue. The chamber's chairman, Poj Aramwattananont, stated that the tariff rate was higher than anticipated and that Thailand must take immediate action to mitigate the potential impact on its exports.

Poj emphasized that while the tariff is higher than expected, it is not an isolated issue, as other countries are also facing increased tariffs. He noted that the U.S. will also face challenges in quickly producing substitutes for Thai goods, suggesting that the impact of the tariffs will be mutual. The chamber has called for coordination between the Thai government and the private sector to develop a strategic response to the tariffs.

The chamber's stance reflects a broader concern among Thai businesses about the potential impact of the tariffs on their exports to the U.S. market. The Thai government has been urged to take swift action to mitigate the effects of the tariffs and to seek a resolution through diplomatic channels. The chamber's call for negotiations underscores the importance of maintaining strong trade relations between the two countries, despite the current challenges posed by the tariffs.

The Thai government's response to the chamber's call for action will be closely watched by businesses and industry stakeholders, as they seek to navigate the uncertain trade environment. The chamber's advice to avoid panic and to focus on strategic coordination highlights the need for a measured and proactive approach to addressing the tariffs. The chamber's call for negotiations also reflects a broader effort to maintain open lines of communication and to seek mutually beneficial solutions to trade disputes.